BookHeath
Panel discussions, workshops and activities to share the joy of books and reading
The Book Festival in Blackheath
A book festival for Blackheath
BookHeath was set up by Averil Leimon, ito celebrate the love of books and to raise funds for charity. Blackheath is filled with bookshops, books at the famous duck pond, books in the station and - so why not hold a Book Festival?
In the library at the Caledonian Club, Averil decided with a degree of grandiosity that this was going to be a fabulous annual event, growing year on year. She enlisted a raft of local authors for a variety of events, then realised there would be a mountain of work and lots of admin (not her favourite bit, ever).
We had a great first year and are now ready to announce our theme for 2026 Blackheath Lives!
Our mission
To celebrate reading and spread the love of books
To engage all ages in Blackheath and beyond
To encourage the whole of Blackheath to be ‘en fête’ around books
To raise awareness of the monthly Age Exchange book sale
To raise funds for charity
Blackheath Lives!
Every life contains extraordinary moments. This project is about giving people the opportunity to capture their story — in their own words — and to see it valued.
Bookheath Festival, held annually in Blackheath, brings together writers, readers, schools and community groups. The 2026 festival theme centres on memory, belonging and lived experience, with Blackheath Lives as its flagship project.
Participants will be invited to submit a short life narrative (1,500–3,000 words). Selected pieces will be compiled into a beautifully produced anthology launched during the festival.
Younger members of the community will be invited to get involved in the Young Lives, Shared Stories project
Writing workshops will also be offered to support contributors who would like guidance shaping their story
In the autumn the festival will host a series of author talks and interviews
Watch this space!
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BookHeath
Panel discussions, workshops and activities to share the joy of books and reading in Blackheath.
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